Brooklyn Councilwoman Defends Citi Bike Stations On Landmark Blocks

Some residents have complained that the bike racks are ugly and don’t belong in a landmark brownstone neighborhood. James said she understands those concerns but supports the bike share program.

“So the issue really is not the aesthetics. The issue is really the health benefits. We have one of the highest asthma rates in Fort Greene and we really need to do something to reduce the amount of car traffic in the neighborhood,” said James.

Citi Bike sign (credit: Marla Diamond/WCBS 880)

She said she’ll work with residents to ensure the bike racks are not blocking egress from buildings, but added that the racks do not violate the historic fabric of brownstone Brooklyn.

According to a local Brooklyn blog, the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission had not taken issue with the Citi Bike racks, as they are not considered permanent.